Earlier this week, two separate fires tragically claimed the life of a Guelph resident and left several residents homeless.
The fires occurred at 21 Paisley Road and 31 Gordon Street in downtown Guelph.
County of Wellington Social Services is coordinating efforts with community partners to meet the immediate needs of victims who have been displaced from their homes.
“We were all affected by the recent fires and the impact to our community residents,” said Shawn Armstrong, Fire Chief and General Manager of Emergency Services for Guelph-Wellington Emergency Medical Service.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the deceased victim, Ian Bull, and to all who have lost their homes and belongings in these fires. As General Manager of Emergency Services we are thankful that all of the agencies are working together to address the immediate and longer term needs of the fire victims,” Armstrong said.
The coordinating team includes the Guelph Police Service, Guelph-Wellington Emergency Medical Service, Canadian Red Cross, Victim Services Wellington, Welcome In Drop In Centre, Ontario Disability Support Program and several local support organizations that continue to assist as needed. “The cooperative spirit between government, agencies and service groups in response to these tragedies has been clearly evident,” said Eddie Alton, the county’s social services administrator. “We will continue to work together with our community partners as we help these residents of our community.”
Meetings for the fire victims were held Monday at the Welcome In Drop In Centre, at 23 Gordon Street in Guelph, and included information and ongoing assistance available.
Residents of the Paisley Road building will also met at the Gordon Street building. Representatives from the Welcome In Drop In Centre, county social services, local office of the Ontario Disability Support Program, Guelph-Wellington Emergency Service and Guelph Police Service provided information and answered questions.
County social services staff and the local Ontario Disability Support program office worked at the centre all week. Staff focused on assisting individuals with their accommodation and day to day needs.
